The Best Graduation Gifts

By Holly E. Newton

The end of the school year connotes graduation time, celebrating many different levels of school completions. Books, as always, are the perfect gift and help commemorate this important event in a young person¹s life. Here is a list of some outstanding picture books celebrating the graduate.

For the younger reader celebrating a change in schools, here is a simple tale about judgment.

Zen Shorts, by widely acclaimed author Jon J. Muth, is a story that involves three tales. Three children become friends with a giant panda. He imparts a clever story for each child. One of the tales expertly demonstrates how we need to forgive. A young monk criticizes an older monk for carrying an unappreciative traveler over rain puddles, as he says, "She didn't even thank you!" The wise older man replies, "I set the woman down hours ago." The older monk was able to forgive and forget, while the young monk was still learning this lesson of forgiveness.

Another perfect book for the younger child is This Little Light of Mine. This picture book is based on the familiar song of the same title and is illustrated beautifully by the acclaimed E. B. Lewis. The words of the song describe how the light from within will shine on and on. But, the pictures tell much, much more. A young boy sees another youngster sitting alone, appearing dejected as he is slumped with his head in his hands. As the song progresses throughout the book, the boy invites the sad fellow to join his friends and before long a smile shines through the sad face. This book will surely strike a chord with all ages!

Sometimes it's the wordless books that seem to have the greatest message. Home, by Jeannie Baker, shows the progress of life through an open window. Ms. Baker has small remnants of a girl's life on the windowsill, displaying her growth though the years. For instance, the book begins with congratulations for the birth of a baby girl. Through the window, you see the proud parents in their back yard holding this new baby. There are older looking vehicles on the street beyond the yard. Several pages later, there's the girl as a teen putting makeup on in a mirror that's sitting on the windowsill. Beyond the yard is a full garden and beyond that newer looking cars on the street. There's much to observe and reflect on one's own growth throughout the years.

Sometimes biographies are the perfect inspiration for graduates. Walt Whitman: Words for America, by Barbara Kerley, is a look into the life of one of America's best and most famous poets. His poetry reflected the feelings of our country during the tumultuous Civil War. I found it fascinating that when Walt was young, he loved words and loved to read. He was always writing down feelings and expressions in his little notebook. In the Author¹s Note located in the back of the book, he states that when he was eleven years old, he was given a library card. Later he added, it was ³...the signal event of my life up to that time." Brian Selznick beautifully illustrated the pictures throughout the book, and he studied many historical documents and locations to accurately reconstruct this amazing poet¹s life.

Here is a perfect companion to Walt Whitman¹s biography. When I Heard the Learn¹d Astronomer is a wonderfully illustrated book by Loren Long, based on Walt Whitman¹s famous poem. This poem celebrates the amazing imagination that is budding in all of us. The incredible pictures take you to a young boy's experience as he ponders life and the stars, ³In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time, look'd up in perfect silence at the stars.²

Mother Teresa, by award winning Demi, is an inspirational account of one humble woman serving those much less fortunate and extremely poor. This incredible woman gave all that she had throughout her life. Included here is wisdom that we can glean from her: ³Life Is An Opportunity --Avail It. Life Is Beautiful --Admire It. Life Is A Challenge --Meet It. Life Is Costly --Care For It. Life Is A Promise --Fulfill It. Life Is Sorrow --Overcome It. Life Is Too Precious --Do Not Destroy It.²

And lastly, here's a book celebrating and exploring the endless possibilities of life. Imagine a Day, by Sarah L. Thompson, and creatively illustrated by Rob Gonsalves, will spark your imagination --beyond imagination. ³Imagine a day Š when a book swings open on silent hinges, and a place you've never seen before welcomes you here.² Give a great gift to your graduate. Give a book to inspire, motivate and celebrate!

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1. Prescott High School Class of 1973 Graduation
Prescott High School Prescott, Arkansas Class of 1973 Graduation Class of 73 Home Page Newsletters 1998 - 25th Year Reunion 1993 - 20th Year Reunion 1983 - 10th Year Reunion 1973 - Graduation Senior ...
http://pcfa.org/clubs/73/graduation/

2. Orange High School - Graduation Requirements
... wants to receive an Orange High School diploma must have earned a ... may participate in all senior class activities, except the actual ... Students who fulfill graduation requirements later than ...
http://www.orangeschools. ...orange/graduation.cfm

3. High School Graduation Requirements and Arizona University Requirements
... when choosing high school classes: the ... the Scottsdale Unified School District as well as ... to student. SUSD Graduation Requirements ... in order to graduate. Class of 2002 must pass AIMS ...
http://desertmountain.sus .../course_selection.htm

4. Education Working Paper 8 | Public High School Graduation and College-Readin...
... graduated with a regular diploma. Graduation rates for minority students are particularly dire. While 78% of white students graduated from high school in the class of 2002, only 56% of African ...
http://www.manhattan-institute.org/html/ewp_08.htm

5.
High School Graduation Requirements Golden Valley requires a ... in order to receive a high school diploma. The credits must ... is a one semester, 5-credit class; no additional credits may be ...
http://www.goldenvcs.org/ ...duation_requireme.htm

6. BROOKINGS HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
BROOKINGS HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS 4 yrs of English 2 or 3++ yrs of Math 3 yrs of Social ... ... semesters of Math and/or Science + For the Classes of 2006 & 2007 ++Beginning with the class of 2008
http://re004.k12.sd.us/br ...school_graduation.htm

7. Graduation - High School Graduation Quotes
... in the MHS Web Site Design & Management class. Includes high school news, daily announcements, upcoming events, ... Add Your Site! Sign Up for the Graduation Resources Newsletter Enter your Email ...
http://www.graduationguid ...hoolgraduationquotes/

8. "TESTIMONY: Regents Learning Standards and High School Graduation Requi...
... recommended that state and local high school graduation requirements be strengthened and that ... ... phasing in since 1996, this year's high school seniors, the class of 2003, were the first to be ...
http://www.nysut.org/rese ...0031022testimony.html

9. Class lanyards For High School Senior Graduation Class
... Or, order our Graystone Graphics' imprint: "CLASS OF 2006 It Took 2006 Years To Get A Class This Great!" for just $3.95. No minimum quantity required and delivery time is quick! GO TO>> Class ...
http://www.graystone-grap ...m/CustomLanyards.html

10. High School Graduation Songs - Topic Powered by Groupee Community
... it would be cool to have frank sinatra as a graduation song. maybe "softly, as i leave you". but it ... ... July 23, 2003 04:34 PM the graduating class of my high school used john mayers "NO SUCH THING ...
http://boards.youthnoise. ...83295355/m/6544024682

11. High School Graduation
... Chief Ed Finan. Off. Class Size CLAST College Bd ... Graduates (pdf) HS Graduation Req. Independent ... Student Assistance School Improvement Family ... & Offices DPS Memos High School Graduation ...
http://www.fldoe.com/doe/ .../newgrad/new-grad.htm

12. WJCC High School Graduation Requirements
... successfully complete subjects identified as high school credit-bearing courses, credit may be counted toward promotion, graduation and class rank. The Commonwealth of Virginia may have ...
http://www.wjcc.k12.va.us ...gradrequirements.html

13.
... Graduation Announcement High School Graduation Card High School Graduation Ceremony High School Graduation Class High School Graduation Clip Art High School Graduation Date High School Graduation ...
http://www.mygraduationgi ...highschoolgraduation/

14.
North Central Graduation Requirements Back to High School Index Required Credits to Graduate: 21 ... ... Proficiency Test to graduate. Members of the Class of 2007 must pass all areas of the Ohio ...
http://www.ncschool.k12.o ...ns/Index/Grad Req.htm

15. Class Bracelets - Great gifts for high school student - unique graduation gift
... These hand-crafted class bracelets make a unique graduation gift and are perfect for any high school student! Made with Swarovski crystals in school colors, sterling silver school letters, graduation ...
http://www.maribeths-moth .../class-bracelets.html

16. Jackson County High School Graduation Requirements
... happens if I don't pass the Georgia High School Graduation Tests or the end of course tests? If I ... ... Algebra II and an additional advanced math class beyond Algebra II If Algebra I is taken in 8 th ...
http://www.pantherhelp.com/mpgradrequirements.htm

17. Geography/World History Course Requirements for High School Graduation
... The exit exam which will be required for high school graduation starting with the class of 2005 has a social studies section that ì[includes] U.S. history and economic, legal and political systems ...
http://www.ecs.org/clearinghouse/39/02/3902.htm

18. State's high school graduation rate flat
... SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER STAFF The public high school graduation rate in Washington state has ... ... Research pegged the state's graduation rate at 72 percent for the class of 2002, the latest year for ...
http://seattlepi.nwsource ...12069_gradrate15.html

19. College and High School Graduation gift.
... of all ages - Jr. High, High School, College and ... Preserve your photos, school ring, medals and ... on his black graduation gown. A fun way to ... for signing up. Jostens Class Rings Jostens is a ...
http://www.gsh-online.com ...a/graduation-gift.php

20. Rosholt High School Graduation Requirements
Rosholt School District Graduation Requirements DEFINITIONS OF GRADE LEVELS: 9TH Grade = less than 6.5 Credits 10TH Grade = 6.5 Credits 11TH Grade = 13 Credits 12TH Grade = 19.5 Credits Class of 2005 ...
http://www.rosholt.k12.wi ...chool/hs_gradreqs.htm

21. Illinois High School Graduation Requirements - ABC Chicago
... the Illinois School Code 1997 which requires & The graduation requirements will increase to 23.5 beginning with the Class of & Maine South High School - Student Personnel Services & In order to ...
http://www.jeuderoles-lav ...ion-requirements.html

22. Robert Pershing Wadlow
High School Graduation 1936 Class Photo
http://www.altonweb.com/history/wadlow/p5.html

23. Karen Ruffner REALTOR: East Brunswick High School Graduation 2005
... Graduation Photographs East Brunswick High School class of 2005 Keith Kesten graduates Mr. Jack Cibrian had everyone laughing Angela Ying (Valedictorian), Rajiv Agarwal (Salutatorian), and highest ...
http://www.eastbrunswicki ..._ebhs_graduation.html

24. Hot Springs High School Class of '64
... List of graduates by current last name or graduation last name. These lists contain links to mini ... ... interesting statistics about Hot Springs High School Class of '64. When were we born by month, sign ...
http://www.jontandshe.org/hshs/

25. Palo Alto Unified School District - Parents - Curriculum - High School - Gra...
... of 210 semester credits for graduation. Included in these credits ... that meets each day for a school year; five credits are ... with the class of 2004, students will need to pass the High School ...
http://pausd.org/parents/ ...m/high/grad_req.shtml

26. 2005 Rockwall High School Graduation
... to the Graduating Class of 2005! Missed the live webcast? You may still use the form below to register for the future Webcasts of the Rockwall Independent School District High School Graduations ...
http://rockwallisd.digifxmedia.com/

27. STATE BOARD APPROVES STRENGTHENED HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
... STATE BOARD APPROVES STRENGTHENED HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS BOARDÄôS VOTE TIES HIGH SCHOOL ... ... the Maryland High School Diploma. The regulations will first affect the graduating class of 2009 ...
http://www.marylandpublic ...tm?Year=2004&Month=6%

28. Patriot Blog :: General :: 20% of Seniors Flunk High School Graduation Exam
... wiscoblogs # > 20% of Seniors Flunk High School Graduation Exam October 3, 2005, 4:05 pm Posted ... ... graders Äî or about 20% of this year's senior class Äî have failed the state's graduation exam ...
http://www.patriotblog.co ...chool-Graduation-Exam

29. 2005 Grayling High School Graduation
Grayling High School 2005 Graduate Class Commencement Ceremonies June 3, 2005 Grayling , Michigan When ... ... time to completely download into your system. Graduation Rehearsal - 9:00am Graduation Ceremony ...
http://www.fanniefinn.com ...5/2005-Graduation.htm

30. Langley High School Class of 2006 All Night Graduation Party
home candygram capitol steps tickets volunteers What: Langley High School All Night Graduation Party When: June 16-17, 2006 Where: Langley High School Every year since 1988, Langley parents, in ...
http://www.saxonangp.com/

31. Jamesburg High School Graduation Programs
... self-addressed #10 envelope to: Jamesburg High School Alumni Association c/o Auto King Parts 67 ... ... Click Below to View a Sample Graduation Program from the Graduating Class of 1947 Page 1 | Page 2 ...
http://www.jamesburg.net/ .../graduationprogs.html

32. Brockton High School Class of 2004 Graduation
BPS Home Page High School - Brockton High School Class of 2004 Graduation Monday, June 7, 2004, a bright, sunny, warm afternoon, and over 700 Brockton High School Seniors graduated to the applause ...
http://www.brocktonpublic ...ation/2004/album.html

33. High School Graduation Party
... I got one of those frames where you can insert class pictures from 1st to 11th grades, with grad pic ... ... into her room to look at them. RE: High School Graduation Party Posted by: MzMint (My Page) on ...
http://ths.gardenweb.com/ ...g0210372827598.html?5

34. Northwest Yeshiva High School - Graduation Requirements
... high school studies to satisfy high school requirements. Graduation Requirements for Students ... ... and Torah Studies courses needed to rejoin the class upon their return. Application for Course Work ...
http://www.nyhs.net/main/graduation.php

35. Mercy High School - Graduation
... celebrate and honor the graduates of Mercy High School. The ceremony is held annually at Holy Name of ... ... the Catholic spirit of Mercy High. Graduation Ceremonies Class of 2001 Class of 2002 Last ...
http://www.mercyhs.org/academics/graduation/

36. High School Graduation Announcements, High School Graduation Invitations, Cards
... Cards For Customization 1 | 2 | Next >> High School Graduation Diploma 1 Price: $19.95 3027 HS ... ... HS Graduation Border Price: $1.59 3006 HS Graduation Class Price: $1.59 3007 HS Graduation Cap & ...
http://www.graduationcard ...oductlisting-2-16.htm

37. :: Independence High School - Graduation Requirements 2010 ::
... E CMS/NC COURSE OF STUDY GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS effective with the CLASS OF 2010 (9 th Grade Entry ... ... I, II, III, IV Mathematics 4 Credits (in high school that include) Alg. I, Geometry, Alg II, or ...
http://www.cms.k12.nc.us/ ...equirements_2010.html

38. JDC | news | High School Graduation Gives Rwandan Youth Hope For Their Future
... > media resources High School Graduation Gives ... at his recent secondary school graduation party. A promising ... The first graduating class of 83 students who ...
http://www.jdc.org/news_press_100203.html

39. MSBAnet.org -- News
... and tougher minimum requirements for high school graduation that apply to all of Missouriís public schools. The new requirements apply to members of the Class of 2010. Students who are now in the ...
http://www.msba.gen.mo.us/news/news.asp?ID=274

40. 1911 Washington County High School Graduation
... Printer Friendly Page New Finds 1865 Class Wesleyan University 1911 Washington County High School Graduation Other Merchants and Sea Captains of Old Boston 1915 Colorado Agricultural College Sigma Nu ...
http://www.genealogyfinds ...uments/washington.htm

41. LouisaOnline's Louisa Snapshots-
"Here are some pictures I took at the Louisa High School Graduation, Class of 2004. I am so proud of my daughter, Katie! Congratulations everyone!", Rob "Z" Photos taken June 2004 (Submitted Nov.2004 ...
http://www.louisaonline.c ...s-graduation-2004.htm

42. Andover High School Graduation -
Andover High School Graduation - 2004 Tsongas Arena - Lowell, MA - June 7, 2004 Pictures are owned by ... ... of Rooftopp Services Tom and Beth 2004 class assembled ouside arena before ceremony Another ...
http://www.rooftopp.com/ahs2004grad.htm

43. Beverly Hills High School Class of '84 - Beverly Hills High School/Graduatio...
| Upload picture | Login | Beverly Hills High School Class of '84 Photo Album Album list @ Last ... ... photos in the right category!! PICTURE 64/99 Graduation - Sheryl, Stacey, Judy Rate this picture (No ...
http://www.bh84reunion.co ...=random&cat=&pos=-368

44. North Butler High School - Graduation Requirements
Graduation Requirements Welcome Graduation Requirements Course Description Required Classes Credits Required for Graduation Starting with the class of 2007 and beyond students will need 48 credits ...
http://www.greene.k12.ia. ...egistration/page1.htm

45. Lamar High School Class of 2005 Graduation Photos
http://www.lamartigers.co ...raduation/2005/01.htm

46. Milestone Ring: graduation ring, college class ring, high school ring, men c...
... 10K gold Crestline Heirloom ladies` class ring by ArtCarvedÆ is in a vintage style and has the school initials on the crest of the synthetic stone with the graduation year along the sides. The left ...
http://www.finejewels4u.c ...ry/milestone-ring.xml

47.
High School Graduation 11 images tree::Stuart's Photo Album>High School Graduation In This Album: Image List Thumbnail Page Class of 1997 Coppell High School Graduation Ceremony thumbnails 1/1 ...
http://saj.thecommune.net/album/hs-grad/

48. Arkansas Education Alliance Home
... presentation on each graduate. High School Diploma Cap and Gown Class of 2005 Tassel Commencement ... ... of Community Service Award Date & Time of Graduation: Friday, May 27, 2005, 7:30 p.m. Place for ...
http://www.arkansashomeschool.org/eaconvgrad.html

49. Dunellen High School Graduation 2005
... Presentation of Diplomas Congratulations to the Class of 2005! Jaclyn Caron Adami Rebecca JoAnn ... ... Zaleski E-mail the Webmaster. Dunellen High School Lincoln Middle School Faber School Dunellen ...
http://www.dunellenschool ...5/Graduation_2005.htm

50. Damien High School - Graduation Photos
Home Graduation Photos Tuesday, 01 November 2005 Main Menu Home About Damien Admissions Alumni AP Scholars Band Bell Schedules Bookstore Calendar Class Websites Campus Ministry Clubs Course ...
http://www.damien-hs.edu/ ...om_wrapper&Itemid=336

51. LaSalle High School :: Graduation Requirements
... Standardized Test Prep (except Class of 2008). Students who, as ... to change. Additional graduation requirements for all ... Service outside of regular school hours in order to graduate ...
http://www.cincinnatilasa ...ics/graduationreq.htm

52. John Glenn High School-Graduation Requirements
... district test. Students in the class of 2004 and beyond must also ... the State of California's High School Exit Exam in addition to ... affect their opportunity for graduation, are strongly encouraged to ...
http://www.jghs.org/GUIDANCE/gradrequirements.html

53. Graduation - High School Graduation Gift
... Free Graduation Speech Graduation Party Favor High School Graduation Gift Graduation Ceremony Graduation Saying Free Graduation Poem Graduation Class College Football Graduation Rate Graduation ...
http://graduation.researc ...schoolgraduationgift/

54. Graduation photo page for Willits High School class of 1970.
Graduation - the big day... Send in your photos of graduation - especially any snapshots your family and friends took of the crowd, let's see who we still recognize! Was there a program? If you still ...
http://www.willits1970.us/graduation_pictures.htm